LIFE SKILLS
Get Started In The Comfort Of Your Own Home.
Our Life Skills Level 1 course is the first step in our three-level training program and is available as a private, in-home option for Calgary dog owners who prefer to begin their training journey one-on-one. Over three personalized coaching sessions, you will learn how to teach practical behaviours that make daily life with your dog easier, including coming when called, loose-leash walking, waiting safely at doors, resource guarding prevention, and settling, while strengthening your relationship and building lasting habits.
Suitable for dogs of any age, this option follows the same structured, ethical, and effective curriculum as our Level 1 group course and prepares you for continued learning in Levels 2 and 3.
Click the sign-up button below to create your Client Portal account and get started.
*Must have completed level 1 or equivalent private training. Reservation is required each class in order to attend. **Expiration dates apply - Click here to view policy details on our FAQ page
The Learning Process
Training is learning and learning is life-long. Our programs are constructed to align with the 4 stages of the learning process: acquisition, fluency, maintenance, and generalization.
AQUISITION
Can do the skill when prompted, but not always fast or accurate. The goal is improved accuracy of the right response.
FLUENCY
Does the skill accurately when prompted, but thinks slowly and gets confused with other skills. The goal is increased speed of the right response.
GENERALIZATION
Does the skill accurately and quickly when prompted, but only in certain setting. The goal is speed and accuracy of response in range of contexts.
MAINTENANCE
Near perfected ability to complete the skill when prompted whenever and wherever. Since nothing is ever 100% guaranteed with behaviour the goal is to keep practicing to strongly retain the skill.
Following this learning process produces strong skill development and so is applied by educated and skilled animal trainers world-wide. Our Life Skills Program is intentionally divided into three learning stages identified by levels in order to set you and your dog up for life-long learning success!
How Program Levels Work
Life Skills
Level 1
-
Best for socialized dogs aged 15+ weeks old at start date
-
3 x 60 minute in-home private coaching sessions with a certified trainer
Course
Overview
-
Sessions booked based on mutually agreed upon time based on trainer and client availability
-
Required to view video orientation prior to starting first session
-
Work toward completing first stage of the learning process for the following skills: name attention, touch, sit, down, recall, leave it, drop it, leash walking, stay, wait, mat targeting, body handling, resource guarding prevention
-
Management strategy suggestions for training success
-
Written resource guides available on common "hot" topics by request
-
Easy to follow written handouts provided to aid practice of skills
-
Trainer may recommend additional private sessions if necessary before transitioning into Level 2 group classes to help set up for success
Please note that the Life Skills Program is not for dogs struggling with fear-based reactivity toward people or dogs, or has an injurious bite history with medical treatment required.
If this sounds like your dog please visit our Fear & Aggression page; if unsure please email us directly.
Be sure to review our Policies, and Terms & Conditions before booking.
Get Started!
Follow our guide below to set up your account and get booked in.
Once your account in Busy Paws is created this is now your portal for everything Raising Fido.
It’s easy to book your pup in for courses, make or cancel reservations, communicate directly with us, process secure payments, receive written training updates with photos or videos and more.
Essential Life Skills Training
We know that an overwhelming experience is not conducive for learning and so we do not practice or support the "sink or swim" approach to training. The Life Skills program focuses on providing an environment where new learning challenges are presented in fun achievable steps. Classes are designed to build confidence and connection between handlers and their dog in a group class setting while acquiring behaviour skills that for many dogs are seen as essential in order to thrive in a busy urban city.
Any age is a good age to start training together! Every learner differs in terms of the skills that come more easily to them and those that end up requiring more effort. And just as there are half steps and modifications when practicing Yoga for example - our program is similarly constructed so that we are able to efficiently overcome roadblocks to maintain motivation on both ends of the leash! Class participant maximums are deliberately kept low to better allow for individual attention in class so that the trainer can best meet each unique learner's specific needs.
